The Experience

The sturdy old granary, with stone steps to the first floor shiny from years of use, stands next to the owners’ house, which is a plus: Lucia and Dan are utterly charming and fun. Other barns are dotted about, handsome but ripe for conversion, and there’s an Airstream in the yard below. Swallow’s Flight is ideal for two, and a couple of kids besides, thanks to the comfy sofabed. It’s a friendly open space you walk right into, with a rug-topped Marmoleum floor and an airy, vaulted ceiling. A wood-burner sits against the end wall, there’s a chunky table and a neat bank of kitchen units alongside one window, with a low cushioned window seat – sweet for a child. The bed, beneath a feathered globe hanging from the rafters, is perfectly dressed; the bathroom (a lovely roll top tub, a retro sink) is private. Games in the trunk, breakfast in the hamper, logs in the basket – and, if you run out of the basics, a shop a mile away. Wander the large garden at will, wallow in the hot tub or head further afield: there’s Dartmouth for restaurants, Salcombe for sailors, East Prawle for the Pigs Nose; this area is one of the best.

Reviews

We had the most wonderful stay at Swallows Flight. Everything was touched with a little magic - the barn beautifully equipped, the wood burner toasty and the hot tub a real treat. The location is perfect for exploring Devon and there is no shortage of stuff to do and eat. Our 8 and 5 year olds had a blast and the Blys are just fab - welcoming, helpful and super friendly. We hope to go back soon. Highly recommended.

Read moreDown arrowUp arrow

Read moreDown arrow

Natasha, OxfordFeb 2016

Took a trip over from the U.S. And couldn't be more pleased that we were able to stay at Lucia and Dan's Swallows' Flight. Two lovely people with fantastic accommodations, hospitality and genuine care for what they do. Very comfortable bed, clean and quiet making it a very relaxing time. We had trouble getting a cab and they were more than willing to give us a ride to the train station. Dan is quite the driver and makes a fantastic breakfast. Never been to the south of England. Because of our experience we can't wait to go back!

Read moreDown arrowUp arrow

Read moreDown arrow

JessicaMay 2015

A stunning home, in a beautiful part of the country, with hosts who make you feel like family guests. Absolutely perfect.

My husband & I, along with our two children (10months and 3years) have just returned from a fabulous stay at swallows flight.
everything from the hospitality to the facilities and cleanliness was 5* both our boys including us had such an amazing time within the grounds.
clean travel cot plus a bed for our eldest was provided amongst toys and much more.
me and my husband even got to relax in the hottub one evening whist thy provided a babysitter.
we also visited mill bay beach which is a must, our eldest loved playing football on the sandy beach and building sandcastles.

Read moreDown arrowUp arrow

Read moreDown arrow

EmmaApr 2015

My 7 year old daughter and I stayed at Swallows' Flight over half-term and it truely exceeded our expectations. The accommodation was perfect; spotlessly clean, well equipped and with beautiful views! The hot tub was a real treat after a bracing day on the beach and log burner was perfect in the evenings accompanied with a glass of wine and a good book! Our hosts also recommended some wonderful places to eat. We will definitely be returning and I would recommend it to those looking for a little haven of quiet that is close to some of the best Devon has to offer.

Read moreDown arrowUp arrow

Read moreDown arrow

JessFeb 2015

We spent a week at Chillington staying in the converted barn. It is a lovely location, the accommodation is wonderful, full of character and spotless. This is a really quiet and peaceful place. We were made to feel very welcome. Lucia and Dan have obviously put a lot of work into the barn. They are very warm friendly affable people really keen to help and give advice on places to visit. The barn gives you a lot of privacy and independence and the fridge is well stocked with excellent ice cream that Dan produces. We could not have wished for a better holiday nor to meet such nice people.

The neighbourhood

Local points of interest from Lucia & Dan Bly

The coast is our passion, we like to walk to our nearest beach Slapton Sands for an afternoon's sun seeking or storm watching - it's stunning whatever the weather! We are close to many other lovely beaches and a full guide written by us is in the barn

We are a greedy bunch and love locally farmed (or caught!) food. There are many wonderful foodie places to eat out in the South Hams, but our favourites are Riverford Farm Field Kitchen for seasonal gastronomy and The Oyster Shack for freshest seafood

As we're into all things vintage, you can regularly find us in Totnes on market day hunting out bargains at the antique stalls and browsing the high street recently voted as one of the world's funkiest towns. Salcombe & Dartmouth are also great for a mooch

There are many lovely walks in the area and one of our favourites is along the River Dart to Sharpham vineyard where there's stunning views, a bottle of estate white and some Rustic cheese from their dairy for the grown ups and apple juice for the kids!

One of the best ways to get to know our area is by boat. This could be as low-key as borrowing a couple of our family kayaks and paddling around the Salcombe Estuary to an adventure hiring a day boat in Dartmouth or catching the ferry in Kingsbridge.

As we have 4 kids of our own, we can guarantee that one of us has been to all the local attractions and can give you a detailed low down of the best bits! From steam trains to Dartmoor hikes to leisure parks and the best ice cream – we can name them all!